Deux Fois Plus de Piment

This is one Chinese spot that doesn’t cater to the French palate. There are signs above the cash register that attest to this fact and warn about the potential gastronomic woes that could ensue after eating the pepper-laden Szechuan fare. Whether it’s soft Mapo tofu with crumbly pork bits or cold, sesame soaked cucumber salad, everything is slicked in fire oil, with an emphasis on the oil. I like this inexpensive, informal joint all the same (or perhaps because of it). Pork raviolis & spicy cabbage are two perennial favorites, and the broccoli with garlic provides a nice respite from the burn. You can choose your own heat level on a scale of 1-5 on most dishes. Level 3 is usually tongue-searingly warm enough for a spice lover. The restaurant is quite small so a larger group should plan to either eat early, book ahead, or take it to-go.

Reviews of interest

Hipsters in Paris (2013) “Here you will find the hottest Sichuan cooking in Paris. White plastic table cloths, a disdain for décor, even sometimes a disdain for customers, it’s the best place to test your tolerance for the elusive Sichuan pepper. The cold noodles are a highlight, as is the cold cucumber. The tofu will, quite deceptively, blow your head off.”